SHERMAN - Jean Sandra Speelberg Ferguson “Mema,” 86, of Sherman, NY, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with family at her side. She was born June 10, 1940, in Mina, NY, the daughter of the late William and Florence Smith Speelberg.

Jean had attended Sherman Central School. She had been a dairy farmer for most of her adult life and ran her own farm. She also worked as a longtime cook at the French Creek Tavern, and ski lift operator during the winter and worked on the golf courses throughout the summer at Peek'n Peak Resort for 35 plus years.

Jean had a love for all animals, especially her milking cows and her horses. She enjoyed working and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Brenda (Arden) Ohlsson of Sherman, a granddaughter, Nicole Ohlsson of Sherman, a grandson, Jason Ohlsson of Columbus, OH, wife-in-law, Robin Carey and her daughters Candy (Keith) Fisher, April (Chris) Martin, and Stephanie Hooks, her nieces and nephews, Terry (Darla) Phelps, Sherry Reed, Shirley (Alan) Larsen, Cindy (Nick) Kopta, Cathy (Darl) Redlecki, Tim (Beth) Phelps, Tom (Colleen) Phelps, and Tammy Snyder, as well as several other nieces, nephews and many cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Pammy Cooper, ex-husband, Chet Carey, a brother, Donald Stetson, two sisters, Kay Lewis and Nyla Phelps, and two brothers-in-laws, Lester Phelps and Wayne Lewis.

Special thanks to Hospice, especially Julie and Laura for their care and compassion.

A short service will be held at 1 PM followed by a Celebration of Life until 5PM on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Majestic Woods (2553 W Mina Rd, Clymer, NY, 14724).

Memorial donations can be made to the Stanley Hose Rescue Squad (PO Box 574, Sherman, NY 14781) or Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care (20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750).

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com